Lord of freedom and love, we are saddened to know that more than one million people are trafficked into slavery each year.The effects of contemporary slavery are felt in every one of the 180 countries where Franciscans serve.

As sons and daughters of our father St. Francis we are tormented by this reality that will leave devastating repercussions for generations to come.

Our hearts grieve for what our minds can barely comprehend, particularly when we hear of women, men, and children who are deceived and transported to unknown places.

We recognize this sexual and economic exploitation occurs because of human greed and profit.

We are sorrowful and our spirits angry that human dignity is being degraded through deception and threats of force.

Help the violators to be transformed and enlightened to realise the scope of their unjust actions.

Allow them to see the value and the dignity of every human person.As Franciscans who serve the poor in a spirit of peace and justice,we must protest this atrocity and work against the demeaning practice of human trafficking.

Lord of Life, strengthen those whose hearts have been broken and lives have been uprooted.

Give us the light, grace, and courage to work with you so that we can all participate in the goodness of creation.

Fill us with the wisdom and courage to stand in solidarity with the victims so that we may all enjoy the freedoms and rights which have their source in your Son and our Lord Jesus Christ.